What to Serve with Porchetta: 22+ Delicious Side Dishes
Are you wondering what to serve with porchetta? I love this amazing Italian pork roast and want to help you create the perfect meal.
Porchetta is a crispy, juicy, and herb-filled dish that needs the right sides to shine.
You’ll find fresh salads, roasted veggies, and tasty starches that make your porchetta dinner extra special. Let’s explore these yummy side dishes together!
Why Choose the Right Side Dishes?
I know picking side dishes can be tricky. The right sides make your porchetta taste even better by adding different flavors and textures that work together perfectly.
- Good sides balance porchetta’s rich taste
- Fresh flavors wake up your taste buds
- Different textures make eating more fun
- Sides help fill up your plate nicely
I remember the first time I made porchetta. My simple green salad wasn’t enough! Now I know better and love sharing these tested side dish ideas with you.
What to Serve with Porchetta?
When picking sides for porchetta, think about mixing light and heavy dishes. Fresh veggies and warm starches create the perfect balance for your special meal.
Fresh Salads for Porchetta
Light, crisp salads cut through porchetta’s richness perfectly. These fresh options will make your meal feel special and balanced.
- Apple and Fennel Salad: I love how crispy apples and fennel work with porchetta! Slice them thin and toss with olive oil and lemon juice. The crunch is amazing, and the flavors match the herbs inside the roast. A sprinkle of black pepper makes everything pop.
- Rocket Pear Salad: You’ll love this peppery arugula salad! Mix in sweet pear slices and crunchy walnuts. I drizzle mine with a simple vinaigrette. The spicy greens really wake up your taste buds between bites of juicy porchetta.
- Caprese Salad: Sweet tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil make this classic Italian salad. Layer them in a pretty serving bowl. A drizzle of olive oil and black pepper adds extra flavor. Looking for more Caprese ideas? Check out these perfect pairings.
- Tomato Farro Salad: Chewy Farro makes this salad filling but not heavy. Mix in juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. I like adding a bit of parmesan cheese too. The nutty grain tastes great with porchetta.
- Lentil Salad: Green lentils are my go-to for a hearty side. Cook them until tender but still a bit firm. Add diced vegetables and a tangy dressing. The earthy flavors match the porchetta perfectly.
Your porchetta deserves fresh, crisp salads that bring brightness to every bite. These options give you different textures and tastes that make the meal special.
Vegetable Sides to Complement Porchetta
Colorful veggies add life to your plate! These cooked vegetable sides bring warmth and flavor that match perfectly with juicy porchetta.
- Grilled Vegetables: I pick whatever veggies look fresh at the store. Zucchini, peppers, and eggplant are my favorites. Brush them with olive oil, and add some garlic. The smoky taste is amazing with porchetta!
- Sautéed Spinach: Fresh spinach cooks in minutes! I add garlic and a splash of olive oil. It’s light, healthy, and super tasty. The bright green looks pretty too.
- Braised Cabbage: This isn’t boring cabbage! Cook it slowly with a splash of vinegar until it’s tender. The sweet-sour taste cuts through the rich porchetta. My family always asks for seconds.
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms: These mushrooms are so tasty! Sauté them with lots of garlic and butter. They get golden brown and juicy. The earthy flavor works great with herb-filled porchetta.
- Maple Glazed Rainbow Carrots: Pretty carrots make dinner special! I roast them with maple syrup until they’re tender. The sweet glaze and colorful look make your plate pop. Kids love these too!
Cooked veggies bring warmth and comfort to your porchetta feast. These sides are easy to make but taste like restaurant food.
Starchy Sides for Serving with Porchetta
Every great pork roast needs a hearty partner on the plate. These starchy sides soak up delicious juices and make your meal complete.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Nothing beats fluffy mashed potatoes! I use warm milk and butter to make them super creamy. Just like with my favorite pork roast sides, these potatoes make every bite better. Add a pinch of garlic for extra flavor.
- Roasted Potatoes: You’ll love these crispy spuds! Cut Yukon potatoes into chunks, and toss with olive oil and herbs. I make them extra crispy on the outside, and soft inside. They’re perfect for soaking up tasty porchetta juices.
- Polenta: Smooth, creamy polenta is my Italian favorite! Cook it slowly with some parmesan cheese. Pour the porchetta juices on top. It’s like a warm hug on your plate.
- Boulangère Potatoes: These fancy potatoes are worth the work! Layer thin potato slices with onions and herbs. The top gets crispy while the bottom stays soft. Your guests will ask for the recipe.
- Celeriac Mash: Want something different? Try mashed celeriac! It’s lighter than potatoes but just as creamy. The subtle celery taste works great with porchetta’s herbs.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: This isn’t boring rice! Mix wild and brown rice with mushrooms and herbs. I add toasted nuts for crunch. It’s hearty but not heavy.
These filling sides turn your porchetta into a feast. Each one brings something special to your dinner plate.
Bread and Dips to Enjoy with Porchetta
Fresh bread and tasty sauces make porchetta even better. These sides let you soak up every bit of flavor on your plate!
- Ciabatta Rolls: Light and airy Italian bread with a crunchy crust! Perfect for making little porchetta sandwiches. Slice them warm, add some olive oil, and enjoy every bite. The holes inside catch all the tasty meat juices.
- Salsa Verde: This green sauce is amazing! Mix fresh parsley, basil, and garlic. Add some olive oil and lemon juice. It’s bright and zingy – perfect with rich pork.
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Butter, fresh garlic, and herbs on crusty bread. Toast it until golden. It’s simple but so good!
- Bruschetta: Make extra-special toast! Rub garlic on toasted bread, and top with fresh tomatoes. The crunchy bread and juicy tomatoes are perfect with porchetta. Discover perfect bruschetta combinations here.
- Peperonata: Sweet peppers make the best sauce! Cook them slowly with onions until soft. The colorful mix looks pretty and tastes even better.
These breads and sauces turn good porchetta into an amazing meal. You’ll want to save this part of the recipe!
Unique Accompaniments for Porchetta
Let’s try something different! These special sides take your porchetta dinner from good to great with exciting flavors and textures.
- Stuffed Shells: Big pasta shells filled with cheese make dinner fancy! Mix ricotta with herbs and parmesan. Bake until bubbly. They’re rich but not too heavy.
- Risotto: Creamy rice is always a hit! I stir in mushrooms and fresh herbs. The slow-cooked rice gets so creamy. Each bite is perfect with porchetta.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet onions are my secret weapon! Cook them slowly until they’re golden brown. They taste like candy but work perfectly with savory pork.
- Zucchini Noodles: Want something light? Spiralize some zucchini! Toss with olive oil and garlic. These veggie noodles keep dinner fresh and healthy.
These unique sides make your porchetta meal special. Mix and match to create your perfect plate!
Conclusion
Finding the perfect sides for porchetta makes your meal special. This Italian pork roast, with its crispy skin and juicy meat, pairs well with many dishes. Fresh salads bring brightness, while roasted vegetables add warmth.
Creamy starches soak up tasty juices. Traditional bread and sauces complete the feast. Mix different textures and flavors for the best experience.
Your dinner guests will love these side dish combinations. Now you have lots of ideas for your next porchetta dinner!
